NFL 2010 Draft Profile: Jonathan Dwyer (RB) Georgia Tech

Jonathan Dwyer had a breakout season in 2008 which cumulated in the Georgia Tech sophomore being voted the 2008 ACC Player of the year. Along the way the 6-0, 228 lbs Running Back rushed for 1,395 yards and 12 touchdowns on just 200 carries, numbers that make him a potential first round pick for the 2010 NFL Draft.

A four sport star in Kell High School in Marietta Georgia, Dwyer rushed for 3,700 yards and 51 touchdowns in his two year prep career, catching the eye of such NCAA powerhouses as Michigan, Georgia, Florida State, Auburn and Georgia Tech. Choosing to attend in state Georgia Tech, Dwyer enjoyed a good true Freshman campaign as a backup to Tashard Choice in 2007, gaining 436 yards on 82 carries; all of which help to set sky high expectations for the 2008 season.

With Choice's departure to the NFL, Dwyer became the featured back in the Yellow Jacket's run heavy offense in 2008 and the results were immediate. Dwyer opened the season with two 100 yard efforts against Jacksonville State (112) and Boston College (108), and never looked back. By the end of the season he had racked up nine 100 yard games, including a 145 yard effort against FSU, and a 144 yard performance against state rival Georgia. In both games Dwyer would score twice, and had runs of over 60 yards in route.

This year, with spring practiced wrapped up, Coach Paul Johnson has indicated that he may have an even better team on his hand, a fact that should improve the odds that Dwyer will have another great year. Already the prototypical size for an NFL back, Dwyer also has remarkable speed (4.4 for the 4) for his size, a factor that will add to his appeal come draft time. Aside from size and speed, Dwyer has shown a good amount of quickness and toughness, and though he has not been asked to carry the ball 20-30 times a game in college, he has the skills to be an every down back in the NFL. What's more, with a powerful lower body, Dwyer is able to drive through tackles and get additional yards after first contact.

If he remains true to form this year, and if he decides to leave for the NFL a year early, look for Jonathon Dwyer to be in the top three Running Backs available for the 2010 NFL Draft.

Sources:

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recruiting

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/stats